Report: LA city hotline cost more, performed worse

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An audit finds Los Angeles residents calling the city's main service hotline have faced longer waits than residents of other large metropolitan areas — and the cost for each answered call is higher.

The Los Angeles Times reports during the last fiscal year Angelenos waited to reach a 311 operator an average of three minutes and 45 seconds — three and a half times the rate for callers in other big cities.

The city spent an average of $6.30 for each call answered, compared with $2.79 to $6.13 elsewhere.

Controller Ron Galperin, whose office prepared the audit, urged the city to shift control of the help line to the mayor's office or another agency.

The 311 system is a clearinghouse for questions and service requests such as cleaning up graffiti or trash.